Characterization of Dietary Protein among Older Adults in the United States: Amount, Animal Sources, and Meal Patterns
Abstract
Although protein intakes in the United States are widely regarded as adequate, attention has been given to potential inadequacy of recommendations or patterns of intake in older adults. The objectives of this research were to update and expand estimates of protein intake and adequacy in older US adults, with additional focus on contributions of animal source protein. Data were obtained from 1,768 adults aged 51 years and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, and US Department of Agriculture Standard Reference datasets. Estimates of inadequate intakes ranged from <1% to 5% of men aged 51 to 70 years to 9% to 24% of women aged ≥71 years, depending on whether adjusted or actual body weights were used to calculate grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Mean usual protein intakes were 94±22 g/day and 56±13 g/day in those same groups, with 15.3%±2.3% and 15.4%±2.4% of energy from protein. Animal sources provided >60% of protein intake, on average. In regression models with energy intake, age, sex, ethnicity, and education as covariables, percent protein from animal sources predicted protein intake and odds of meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowances (P<0.001). Consumption of total and animal-source protein was skewed to the evening meal. Findings highlight the influence of body weight choice (actual vs adjusted) on estimates of protein inadequacy, and suggest the need for careful consideration of protein source in adults at risk for inadequacy. Research is needed to establish optimal protein intakes, sources, and patterns.
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Time-of-day definitions were also common, as well as a combination of two definitions.
“Time-of-day definitions were also common( 35 , 36 , 64 , 67 , 72 , 76 ) as well as a combination of two definitions (for example, self-identified and time-of-day, or time-of-day and type/combination of foods eaten)( 30 , 65 , 68 , 73 , 81 ).”
From Understanding meal patterns: definitions, methodology and impact on nutrient intake and diet quality (2015) · cites this paper as [73]
Two studies showed that the percentage of protein intake was highest in the evening, particularly among older adults.
“Two studies( 73 , 79 ) showed that the percentage of protein intake was highest in the evening, particularly among older adults( 73 ).”
From Understanding meal patterns: definitions, methodology and impact on nutrient intake and diet quality (2015) · cites this paper as [73]
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- Authors
- Berner, L. A., Becker, G., Wise, M., & Doi, J.
- Affiliations
- California Polytechnic State University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Berner, Louise A.
- Venue
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2013-06
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 809-815
- ISSN
- 2212-2672 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2040007838
- Cited by
- 171
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 5.02
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Iowa State University
- Agricultural Research Service
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Nutrition and Health in Aging
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutritional Studies and Diet
- Keywords
- protein intake, older adults, protein adequacy, meal patterns, dinner, body weight adjustment, protein recommendations, sex differences, age differences
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Body Weight, Dairy Products, Diet, Dietary Proteins, Feeding Behavior, Female, Humans, Male, Meat, Middle Aged, Nutrition Surveys, Nutritional Requirements, United States, Nutrition Assessment, Seafood, Nutrition Policy
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